Brief description

The module covers issues pertinent to the uses, drawbacks, physical limitations and technological possibilities offered by robots, and mobile/embedded computer systems. This includes discussion of physical constraints, communication mechanisms, battery life, energy budgets and the use of low-power and interrupt driven processing. Robotics and embedded system programming are introduced through real world programming of such systems with an emphasis on programming in ways that deal with the constraints and errors that interaction with the real world introduces.

Content

1. Introduction to Robotics and Embedded Systems – 2 lectures
Introduction to the nature of the robotics problem and embedded systems technologies, with current example systems.

7. Robotics and Embedded Systems Programming - 10 practicals
Interfacing and integrating sensors and communication systems on a microcontroller platform including power management and calibration. Programming robots to perform sensing and actuation as part of a larger problem such as mapping, localization and data sharing.

Module Skills

Skills Type

Skills details

Application of Number

Inherent in the topic.

Communication

Written skills needed for assessment.

Improving own Learning and Performance

Programming assignments require self-motivated study at work.

Information Technology

Inherent in the topic.

Personal Development and Career planning

Will feed into students' future career plans.

Problem solving

Programming Assignments promote and assess this.

Research skills

Assessing techniques for use in the programming assignments requires reading and finding papers and other materials.